PRATS & SYMINGTON, CHRYSEIA
DOURO, PORTUGAL 2021
Why Buy: With the 95-point 2016 and 94-point 2014 (a Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2017) now in the prime of their drinking window, we're witnessing, once again, the brilliant fruits of the inspired partnership between Bruno Prats (formerly of Château Cos-d'Estournel) and the Symington family. Combining "the power of the Douro's fruit with a Bordelaise finesse,” as Wine Spectator once put it, these Chryseias are striking both for their terroir expressiveness and for their surprising affordability. Quite simply, Chryseia remains one of the great values to be had in the upper echelons of winemaking. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to stock your cellar with these three versatile, wallet-friendly, and super-drinkable reds.
What They're Saying: Critics have lavished praise on Chryseia's recent vintages. Wine Spectator awarded the 2016 95 points, describing it as “an impressive red,” full of “finesse” and with a “generous” palate. The 2014 garnered 94 points and claimed a spot in Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2017: a "powerful and concentrated red,” the magazine wrote, “balanced” and “elegant, with supple tannins framing the long finish.” The 2021 is not yet rated, but we have every expectation that it will score in the mid-90s.
Our Tasting Notes: Tasting Chryseia is like stumbling upon a hidden track on your favorite '80s album – familiar, yet thrillingly new. The 2016 opens with a rush of dark fruit, reminiscent of a perfectly ripe cherry tart, before unfurling layers of spice and earth. There's a tension here, a push-pull between power and elegance that keeps you coming back for another sip, and then another. The 2014 is equally compelling in its aromatics, with kirsch and plum notes leading, then receding to make way for intriguing herbal and mineral accents. We loved its poise, its subtle spicing, and its effortless lyricism. The yet-to-be-rated 2021 promises to continue this legacy of excellence, showing early signs of the depth and complexity that we've come to think of as Chryseia’s signatures.
The Specs: Chryseia is crafted from a blend of indigenous Douro varieties, primarily Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca, with occasional contributions from Tinta Roriz. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo careful selection before fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine then ages for 12-15 months in French oak barrels, of which about 70% are new. As you’ll be thrilled to discover, the judicious use of oak imparts structure and complexity without overshadowing the vibrant fruit character of the Douro.
The Story: Chryseia is the Greek word for "golden," and this collaboration between Bruno Prats and the Symington family has been exactly that since launching, in 1999, and giving a region known primarily for its port a world-class red. Prats, with his Bordeaux pedigree from Château Cos-d'Estournel, brings a finesse and elegance to the robust Douro grapes, while the Symingtons contribute their unparalleled knowledge of the region and its terroir. The project focuses on two prime Upper Douro vineyards: Quinta de Roriz and Quinta da Perdiz. Quinta de Roriz, with its south-facing aspect and schist soils, provides the backbone of intense, concentrated fruit. Quinta da Perdiz, slightly cooler, adds complexity and freshness. This meticulous selection of vineyards, combined with the expertise of both families, has resulted in a wine that consistently punches above its weight class, offering collectors a chance to experience the pinnacle of Douro winemaking at a fraction of the cost of comparable Bordeaux or Napa reds.
What to Pair Them With: These robust reds call for equally bold flavors. Try the 2016 with a perfectly seared ribeye, and watch the way its savory fat dissolves into the wine's firm tannins. The 2014 pairs beautifully with slow-roasted lamb shoulder, its herbal notes an evocative complement to the meat's gamey flavors. For a vegetarian option, a hearty mushroom risotto is a worthy dance partner for all three.
Fun Fact: The label for Chryseia features a golden ship, a nod both to the wine's name and to the maritime history of Porto. On clear days, it’s said, you can see the Atlantic Ocean from the highest points of Quinta de Roriz.
Our Guarantee: As always, we only buy and source directly from the estate, to ensure that your bottles arrive with pristine provenance. Act now to secure yours!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, KY, MI, NY, TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, October 20th, 2024.